Saturday, February 28, 2009

Despite accomplishing an ambitious 'to do' list today, my sneakers don't look the worse for wear. Me, on the other hand...I look and feel exhausted! It almost feels like I tried to stretch the last day of the month into a leap year day! Fortunately, there's another day in the weekend for recuperation! :) Naples, FL

Exploring responsibility for one's own actions is a fairly common theme when working with teenagers. Today's book club members spent time discussing the topic as it relates to the characters in Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why. Lots to think about - diamonds and all.... Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

Thursday, February 26, 2009

The makings of a beautiful sky during sunset coincided with the dog walk! Generally, a relaxed and contemplative time, tonight's colors only added to the daily respite. It reminded me that today Skip Z shared the WildEarthTV web cam on Plurk and though I couldn't spend much time watching the animals in the African bush, I could listen to the nature's sounds ... and there was a great degree of comfort - it provided a soothing, if not unusual, backdrop to the hectic work environment - a juxtaposition indeed! Naples, FL

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Expected this raw picture to look better than it did...so had to Photoshop it up a bit! Would have been better to get closer to capture more light and focus on the content for better balance...but oh well! Maybe next time! :)

Broken and forgotten, these old objects have been abandoned at a house with a 'for sale' sign posted out front. They don't look like they hold much value except perhaps as firewood...but I love to look at their lines (both horizontal and vertical), the mechanics of the dilapidated slats, the grain of the wood...and wonder - were they ever treasured? what was their function? and where are the rest of the shutters and fence pieces? Naples, FL

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear - yep, and how about those out the window, too! How would you like to 'wake up' to this creature on your early morning commute to work? I definitely had to take a second look! And, I admit to checking out the web page - thus effective marketing ploy for me!

I know this is a busy photo and I was only focused on the gator thinking that I'd crop out the window frame when I took the shot, but didn't realize I caught the side view mirror reflections as well. I also didn't realize that the power poles and street lamp would reflect in the van's windows...and most delightedly (gruesome too), the red light reflected on the alligator's chin - almost looks like a little blood from his recent prey. So multiple reflections changed the perspective of processing. US 41 East and Davis Blvd, Naples, FL

Monday, February 23, 2009

Attracted by the purple color, this water pump was investigated on the afternoon dog walk - lots of interesting detail that I certainly would have normally passed by: rusty areas, peeling paint, pressure dial, and if you didn't already know it was water (and who would? Other water is marked in a blue color), it is spelled out for you! So, look closer for more information and detail - you never know what you might miss! 6th St & 3rd Ave N, Naples, FL

Sunday, February 22, 2009

This tiny blue shovel was left behind at the beach...it created a different use this morning as a subject for my camera! Form and function interrelated - reflective of a number of objects in varying degrees...3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

Saturday, February 21, 2009

The delicate and paper-thin transparency of the bougainvillea blossoms are bountiful in our dry winter conditions. But beware of their long, spiky and dangerous thorns that take pleasure in puncturing the human skin - especially as one tries to trim them! Nature continues to amaze with her elements of contrast...even all humans have their elements of beauty and defense mechanisms - just a matter of balance again! Naples, FL

Friday, February 20, 2009

These newly planted and staked trees are in the spotlight in the remaining hours of dawn. They are very haunting...and yet quite innocent in their vulnerable position. It is rather unusual to see no leaves on these bare branches...but then again it has been rather dry. Their nakedness does allow one to see their internal strength and beauty - I'm still drawn to the amount of support they have - reminds me of my own exposures to the world...counterbalanced with the ties to family and friends when times are tough. 6th Ave N & 8th St, Naples, FL

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Fresh! Red, orange, yellow peppers, tomatoes, parsley, and thyme - a great combination tossed with a little EVOO and maybe some pasta! Wish I could claim growing all from seed in my own garden - I miss gardening, but time and other priorities have prevented that from happening! I often wonder if/how most people would be able to provide food for themselves if the agriculture industry was impaired. Could you? Naples, FL

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Lots of empty parking spaces here! Rather than lonely, these bright yellow parking bumpers appear to be comfortable in their precisely placed line-up...Though I appreciate the right-brained creativity so pervasive in our digital generation, there's something very comfortable for 'baby boomer' me in this consistent left-brained structure. Balance remains the key for both the age and the approach! Naples Depot, Naples, FL

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

These leaves from the bird of paradise are broad and regal...and in this photo with sunlight play, they provide more than an interested glance! The greens range from silvery to golden and from near black to very light; the textures show both rough and smooth; and the 'veins' line up horizontally, vertically and every which way in between - all from a pedestrian plant! Credit Union Drive-up, Naples, FL

Monday, February 16, 2009

This is the second time I've seen this cardinal (assume it's the same one!) atop the utility pole near the beach entrance - he's always just singing away, too! The birds have been serenading us a lot these days - must be the joy they have for being in warmer temperatures?! I share their joy today for it's President's Day holiday and I have much to catch up on both my work and home 'to do' lists! 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Skimming a foggy shoreline rather than over water, this pelican appears confused by the weather conditions - though I know he's likely more in tune with nature than I am! The movement of flight is so natural and peaceful - here's hoping our human nature will take note! 5th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Took this shot while at a red light - having the camera with me where ever I go has certainly decreased boredom and urgency while waiting at traffic lights - of course, some of the other drivers may be thinking I'm crazy! Air plants are pretty prolific around here. They are small clusters, rather than the hanging pendants of Spanish moss, their closely related cousin. Both are epiphytes, not parasites - but it is not necessarily a mutually beneficial relationship between the plants and the trees...reminds me of some human mis-matches! ;) But on this Valentine's Day, I'll focus on the the positive characteristics of relationships! :) Goodlette-Frank Rd & U.S. 41 E, Naples, FL

Friday, February 13, 2009

The sea fog rolled in - an unusual event for a sunny, mid-afternoon day...but the second day in a row! Its shroud has lowered the temperature about 15 degrees and brought a humid chill to the air, but it provides a different look to our otherwise blue skies and adds interest to the landscape. Also a reminder that Mother Nature always has her own way which often displays the fragility of life. Naples, FL

Thursday, February 12, 2009

This is true dedication....an adult ESOL student sitting on the hard ceramic tile floor in our temporary library area (which is in the front lobby of our building with noisy cafeteria adjacent) reading aloud during his break! I'm not sure he comprehends what he is reading - Photoshop: Masking and Compositing - but he's increasing fluency! It definitely touched my heart! Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

This pink VW bug stuck out like a sore thumb in the school parking lot - not only for its color, but also for its age! Looks pretty good for an old car! :) It is comforting to know that someone cared enough to keep this vehicle in running and pristine condition - especially given the 'disposable mentality' with automobiles in today's world. And the Mass license plate is only a reflection of the 'snowbird season' during winter months! Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

I've always been attracted to this simple, but effective logo for our local mall - and interestingly, this shot manages to capture the real thing, too! The concept of design is becoming more and more important in our global society and I fear that it is not being incorporated well into our educational process. Despite the fact that multimedia presentations are playing a role in the classroom, the basic foundation of design is often lacking. This 365 photo-a-day project is one way to help tackle the importance and impact of design! US 41 North & Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, FL

Monday, February 9, 2009

Bathed in the light (and with some added processing), the brassy lamp hardware and underside of the shade take on a golden glow... blurred in just the right places to hide the ubiquitous dust! Outside it was a beautiful day, one that was appreciated by all of the retirees and seasonal visitors - Inside, despite the golden glow, it was Monday....Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Beach walks uncover so many ordinary things...I love the textures and shadows in this weathered wooden groin. It has obviously met its match with the pounding of daily surf and the occasional named storms, but it is still wired tight and serving its purpose. When there is a sense of purpose doesn't a certain meaningfulness always prevail? Sometimes, we need to sit back and reflect on our actions and how they do (or don't) align with our purpose and values. 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Quick pic today of median landscape - the 'rat race' continues and to top it off, our 'season' is in full force with increased population and same infrastructure....The black and white is representative of my demeanor and also hides the poor camera shot - hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day! :) US 41 E & Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples, FL

Friday, February 6, 2009

Playground equipment at a local church school looks like it could use a cleansing, but oh what interesting shapes and fun-looking 'adventures'! Play is such an important part of child development! It is often a forgotten resource for adults' overall wellness, as well. As Daniel Pink writes in A Whole New Mind, "Ample evidence points to the enormous health and professional benefits of laughter, lightheartedness, games, and humor." It's Friday - time to PLAY! Crayton Rd & Parkshore Dr, Naples, FL

Thursday, February 5, 2009

This sophomore is my Rubik's Cube solver - every day at lunch, he fixes what others can't! Today, with our cold weather (mid morning temperatures still in the 30s), he also modeled an interesting hat, furry ears and all! It is funny how the temperature dips effect people's energy levels and personalities! Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Amazing moon in the afternoon blue and cloudless sky...I almost caught a plane in the picture, but not fast enough! As always, the lunar body is magnificent and eye-catching. Though it isn't always visible in the daytime, its presence impacts the ebb and flow of the tides and is often attributed to certain human behaviors, as well. It is somewhat comforting to know that this beautiful moonscape will remain constant. Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

This red spider lily is in various stages of bud and bloom. With the windy conditions today, it appeared that the fragile nature of this plant would succumb to the forces of nature ... but so far, so good! Like many creations, the perceived outward appearance may not accurately reflect the inside character. Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

Monday, February 2, 2009

The carambola trees, though not native to our area, flourish well in the neighborhood. They are laden with fruit this time of year - in fact, the base of this tree was lined with overripe fruit. Also known as 'starfruit,' it is healthy for you and pretty, too! Naples, FL

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Couldn't resist capturing this image - the bird is joyously chirping away in early morning ritual and the sign would've been ignored if not for the bird! As for the sign's statement, it is interesting how the positive quickly turns into negatives...at least with good manners! 4th Ave N. & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL